List of PGA Incomes

By M.L. Rose

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem reportedly made more than $5 million in 2009.

Golf is a lucrative industry in which the top earners are the best and most well-known players. Professional golfers with the highest incomes earn most of their money via endorsements. But numerous people also make a good living in a variety of golf industry jobs, particularly those associated in some capacity with the PGA Tour, which reported revenue of $954.5 million in 2009, with $337.9 million of it distributed to players, according to “Golf Digest.”

Players

Luke Donald won more money on the golf course than any PGA Tour player in 2011, earning almost $6.7 million. The median income of the tour’s money-winners in 2011 was $628,000, according to tour statistics. But in total compensation, including endorsements, Tiger Woods led the way with $62.3 in earnings, according to “Sports Illustrated,” followed by Phil Mickelson at $61.1 million. Among LPGA players, Yani Tseng earned more than $2.9 million in 2011 tour events, while the median golfer took home about $97,000. Women earn far less in endorsements than the top men. Paula Creamer topped the list among active players in 2011 with $4.5 million in off-course earnings, according to “Golf Digest.”

Golf Pros

Incomes for PGA teaching pros vary depending on the club or course where they work, and whether their facility is public or private. Additionally, PGA club pros can earn extra money playing in local tournaments. Head pros typically earn from $65,000 to $75,000 per year, and assistant pros about $40,000 annually, according to Ohio State University.

PGA Tour Commissioner

The most highly-paid golf executive, by far, is PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. Finchem, who has had the job since 1994, signed a 4-year contract extension in 2012. While his salary wasn’t disclosed, “Golf Digest” reported in 2011 that Finchem received more than $5.1 million in compensation in 2009. His base salary was $4.7 million, according to Bloomberg.com. Finchem’s total income would have placed him fourth on the 2009 PGA Tour's money list. His LPGA counterpart, Carolyn Bivens, received just over $880,000 in 2009.

Other Golf Executives

In addition to Finchem, five other PGA Tour executives earned more than $1 million in 2009, according to “Golf Digest,” led by co-chief operating officers Ed Moorhouse and Charles Zink, who each earned more than $1.5 million. Sixteen other PGA Tour officials made at least $312,000. Joe Sterenka, CEO of the PGA of America, received $840,000 in 2009, while six more PGA officers earned at least $300,000 apiece. United States Golf Association executive director David Fay earned $773,000. LPGA Tour deputy commissioner Elizabeth Galloway made $315,000 in 2009.

About the Author

M.L. Rose has worked as a print and online journalist for more than 20 years. He has contributed to a variety of national and local publications, specializing in sports writing. Rose holds a B.A. in communications.